Acune out of tie

Newcastle midfielder Clarence Acuna is out of tomorrow night’s Champions League qualifier against NK Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo after damaging a thigh muscle in training.

The Chilean international was in line to deputise for Gary Speed, who has an ankle injury, but now teenager Jermaine Jenas is likely to be elevated to the starting line-up.

Striker Carl Cort is also out with a groin problem and defender Andy O’Brien is in the squad but short of match fitness after sitting out with sore shins, while long-term absentees Craig Bellamy (knee) and Laurent Robert (back) are continuing their respective fights for fitness.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Karelse, Elliott, Griffin, Hughes, Bernard, Dabizas, O’Brien, Bramble, Dyer, Solano, Jenas, Viana, Bassedas, Quinn, Shearer, LuaLua, Ameobi.